Two programs run by Social Security are used to administer disability benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

Social Security Updates Disability Process Simplified

The government uses a five-step procedure under both programs to assess whether an adult has a qualifying disability.

The agency is pleased to announce adjustments that, if qualified, will assist more individuals with disabilities in receiving government benefits and services and lessen the administrative constraints placed on applicants.

The final rule contains changes that will expedite the disability benefits application process and shorten the time it takes for applicants to hear back. 

The final regulation limit the agency's consideration of previous work to five years for considering past relevant work since June 20, 2024, Financial reported. 

People found it difficult to recall the old policy's precise requirements for their 15 years of employment history, which frequently resulted in incomplete or false reporting.

One of the many updated regulations that Social Security is releasing to enhance its disability program is this final rule. 

The organization recently declared that by revising the definition of a public assistance home, it will lower obstacles to enrollment in the SSI program.

Additionally, the agency declared that food value will not be factored into SSI payment calculations.

The agency also said that it will make the rental subsidy exception a national policy, as it is presently only available to SSI applicants and recipients living in seven States.

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SSDI, SSI Eligibility

The Supplemental Security Income and Security Disability Insurance programs use this list to assess an applicant's capacity to find employment elsewhere. 

An applicant may be rejected for benefits and declared "not disabled" based solely on this list of jobs; alternatively, they may be advised to look for employment in one of the fields specified in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

The SSA further states that in order for a claimant to be listed as having work possibilities, 13 occupations will now need extra support.

However, the Dictionary of Occupational Titles lists 3,127 unskilled vocations in total, many of which are not sedentary, as possible jobs for people to work.

The modifications took effect on June 22, 2024.

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